Derek is the proud creator and owner of Joyful Noise Studio & Production LLC. Derek, along with his wife Syrena, has had the vision to bring together Gospel artists to honor God in praise and in song. Thus, Joyful Noise Studio & Production LLC. was created to record and produce artists who have dedicated themselves to creating music that glorifies God.

Derek graduated with his bachelor’s degree in music performance and education at Eastern Illinois University. At Eastern, he joined the music fraternity, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia and the distinguished fraternity of Alpha Phi Alpha Inc. After graduation, Derek moved to Toledo, Ohio where he became the music instructor at Libby High School, where he directed band, choir, and coached football. Derek was also the director of the award-winning Toledo All City Gospel Choir and directed Musicals at the High School and the All-City level.

After a stint in Toledo, Derek moved to New York where he pursued a career in Musical Theater and toured nationally in several Broadway productions, including Ain’t Misbehavin’, Little Shop of Horrors, and Big River, just to mention a few.

Derek has written and produced several Gospel plays that have been performed throughout the country. A recording artist in his own right, under the name Deke, has performed with Gospel greats including Rance Allen, John P. Kee, Ricky Dillard, Donald Lawrence and the late great Douglas Miller. For his portrayal of Jim in the Broadway Musical Big River, Derek earned a prestigious Jefferson award nomination, an award given to an actor who displays an outstanding performance in a Musical.

As a Broadway performer, he has shared the stage with the likes of Brian Stokes Mitchel, Audra McDonald, Felicia Fields and the multi- talented Jennifer Hudson. After his return to Illinois, Derek received his master’s degree in administrative leadership. For the last 15 years he has worked in the field of education as an Administrator and music teacher. Currently, Derek is pursuing his Doctorate degree in Worship Studies at Liberty University.